Simulated horse race board game apparatus



J. M. G. MONTES SIMULATED HORSE RACE BOARD GAME APPARATUS Filed March 17, 1967 Dec. 17, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. uoJz' M 6460/4 Man/75.5;

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c $2 n: s Wi N /7 u 2 nc Ao AIT Dec. 17, 1968 Filed March 17. 1967 United States Patent 3,416,802 SIMULATED HORSE RACE BOARD GAME APPARATUS Jose M. Garcia Montes, Don Quijote 75, 1-D, Madrid, Spain Filed Mar. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 624,078 9 Claims. (Cl. 273-434 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A horse racing game apparatus to closely simulate horse race handicapping conditions, consisting of a game board inscribed with an oval simulated horse race track and inscribed with numbered successive transverse spaces along the oval track, the board having recesses at the inside ends of the spaces. A plurality of numbered cards are provided having pins engageable in the recesses so that the cards can be positioned on and mechanically secured to the selected spaces. Respective combinations of settings for the cards are prescribed for simulated different length races. Game pieces in the form of simulated horses are provided. The game pieces may represent different classes of horses by pre-arrangement. The game pieces are advanced on the board along the numbered spaces in accordance with values shown on dice thrown by the associated players. The cards indicate penalty spaces to be subtracted from or advantage spaces to be added to those indicated by the dice when the game pieces are on the spaces containing the cards, for the different classes of horses.

This invention relates to game apparatus, and more particularly to an improved horse racing game.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved horse racing game apparatus which includes means to closely simulate horse race handicapping conditions, such as the characteristics of different types of horses, jockey weight situation and conditions corresponding to races of different lengths.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved horse racing game apparatus which involves rela tively simple components, which is easy to set up for use, and which includes means for closely simulating actual horse race handicapping conditions, so that the game can be played in a manner to create the atmosphere found at an actual race track, and the apparatus being further useful in providing information and instructions concerning the manner in which handicapping conditions affect the betting results in actual horse races.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved horse racing game apparatus constructed to closely simulate horse race handicapping conditions and which specifically takes into account the classification of different types of horses so that the simulated performance of game pieces representing the horses resembles that of actual horses in a horse race under normal race track conditions, with provision being made for setting up races of different standard lengths, and including means for practicing procedures similar to those found at actual horse race tracks, whereby the game apparatus produces a realistic atmosphere similar to that found at an actual race track and thus provides a considerable amount of entertainment and interest to the players involved.

Further objects and advantages of. the invention will be come apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing a game board and associated items, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

3,416,802 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 FIGURE 2 is a plan view showing a set of penalty and advantage cards, as employed on the game board of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 2A is a bottom prespective view of one of the cards illustrated in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view showing a stack of tickets used for betting in a game played with the apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a stack of race horse description cards providing data for participant horses in a game played with the apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective View of a stack of cards providing data as to various specific types of races which may be simulated by the game apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of a simulated race lliorse employed as a game piece on the board of FIGURE FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a stack of play money which may be used in conjunction with horse raci6ng games played with the apparatus of FIGURES 1 to Referring to the drawings, 11 designates a game board on which is inscribed a generally oval simulated race track 12. The generally oval simulated race track 12 is further inscribed with successive transverse lines 13 spaced to define successive transverse spaces 14, each space being inscribed with a number and the numbers being consecutive starting from the transverse finish line 15. Thus, in the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, there are eighty spaces 14 numbered consecutively from 1 to 80.

The board is formed with recesses 17 located at the inside ends of the respective spaces 14 for a purpose presently to be described. Also inscribed on one corner of the game board 11 is a simulated paddock 18 defining an area in which the game pieces may be placed when not being used. There is also provided a notice board 19 comprising a rectangular base 20 on which is integrally formed an upstanding plate-like body 41 formed with vertically consecutive horizontal grooves comprising a top horizontal groove 21, a second horizontal groove 22 and a series of subjacent horizontal grooves 23, each opening at one side edge of the body 41 to permit the insertion of indicia-bearing cards into the grooves, the top and bottom edges of the grooves being undercut so as to retain the cards in the grooves when they have been thus inserted, as will be presently described.

The grooves 23 are consecutively numbered from 1 to 8, as shown, said numbers being associated with the names of the horses appearing on cards inserted in the grooves 23, as will be presently explained. The stack of cards 24 is provided, consecutively numbered to indicate different numbered races, a selected card being insertable in the groove 22, as shown, to designate the number of a simulated race to be run at a given time.

Also provided is a stack of race-type designating cards 25, shown to a larger scale in FIGURE 5, the cards 25 providing the name and description of a particular type of race to be simulated, giving pertinent data and conditions with respect to the length of the race, the age of the horses to which the race is restricted, and the weight to be carried by the horses, as well as, on the reverse side thereof, the financial information with respect to the race, such as the prizes for the winners, second place and third place horses, as well as the required inscription fee, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. A selected card 25 is inserted in the uppermost groove 21 of the notice board 19, as will be presently described.

There is also provided a stack of cards 26, as shown to an enlarged scale in FIGURE 4, giving the names of horses, the weights carried thereby, the ages thereof, the sex thereof (namely, either H designating male, or M designating mare), the type of running characteristics of the horse, namely, sprinter, stayer, or medium speed, and the auction price of the horse. Cards 26, corresponding to various horses, are adapted to be inserted in the grooves 23, as will be presently explained.

There are also provided handicap-condition plate-like cards, shown at 27 to 31 in FIGURE 2, adapted to be placed in selected spaces 14 to set forth certain contest conditions, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, each plate-like card 27 to 31 being provided adjacent one end thereof with a depending pin 32 snugly receivable in a recess 17, so that the plate-like cards 27 to 31 may be variably attached to the race track spaces in the manner indicated in FIGURE 1, namely with the pins 32 engaged in recesses 17 of selected spaces 14 with the cards disposed in said spaces. As shown in FIGURE 2, the cards 27 to 31 are numbered from 1 to 5, and each card contains an inscription relating to certain conditions applying to one of the three different types of horses involved in the race, the conditions comprising penalty spaces to be subtracted and advantage spaces to be added to the dice scores for the different classes of horses, in accordance with the rules of the game, as will be presently pointed out.

The game apparatus also includes a number of game pieces 33 in the form of simulated horses mounted on supporting stands 34 which are employed to represent the contestants in a game, each horse having a number, the numbers corresponding to those shown adjacent the grooves 23 on the notice board 19.

Also provided is a stack of horse-betting cards 35, shown in FIGURE 3, each card having a number corresponding to the number of one of the horses in the contest, namely, from 1 to 8, and each card also bearing a money-value designation, such as $10.00, as shown, for other moneyvalue designation. In a typical game apparatus, the betting cards 35 may be valued at $10.00, $50.00, or $100.00.

Also provided is a stack of play money 36 of suitable denominations, such as simulated ten-dollar bills, simulated fifty-dollar bills, simulated hundred-dollar bills, and simulated five-hundred-dollar bills.

To point out a typical mode of use of the apparatus described above, the following set of rules may be employed, the rules being set forth in detail as follows:

(1) Up to nine persons can play at any one time, but one of them must act as handicapper and shall not be entitled to bet.

(2) A particular race program shall consist of not less than three and not more than six races, selected by the handicapper" from the stack of cards 25.

(3) The handicapper shall give to each player a supply of play money from the simulated notes 36 in the amount of $2,000.00, distributed in the following manner:

One note of $500.00,

Ten notes of $100.00,

Eight notes of $50.00 each, and Ten notes of $10.00 each.

(4) Once the program has been selected, the handicapper shufiles and distributes the cards 26 carrying the horses names equally among the players. As abovementioned, there are three different groups of cards corresponding. to the three categories of horses classified according to their racing characteristics, as follows: sprinters which are horses with initial high speed and which run better over short distances; medium speed horses which are horses which prefer an intermediate distance; and stayers which are horses that start slowly, but finish fast and run better over long distances.

The undistributed cards, if any, may be acquired by the players at any time during the program by paying the handicapper the corresponding auction price. If

more than one of the players wishes to buy the same horse, the handicapper shall place the horse under auction, with the above-mentioned auction price as the minimum price (as shown on the card 26 associated with the horse).

(6) Immediately thereafter, the handicapper places the card 25 corresponding to the first race in the groove 21 of notice board 19, thereby opening the inscriptions for that race. At this time he also places the card 24 indicating the number of the race to be run in the groove 22 in the manner above-explained. The players shall then study the races conditions in order to determine which of their horses stands a better chance to win. Each player must register a minimum of one horse in each race, provided he holds at least one card 26 which matches the races conditions, as shown on the card 25 appearing in groove 21 of notice board 19. The registration or inscription shall be made by giving the handicapper the card 26 associated with the horse to be entered.

(7) If one or more of the players cannot or does not wish to register a horse in a given race, his place may be taken by any other player. If more than one player is interested in the vacancy, the vacancy shall be covered by the player who throws the highest number with the dice employed with the game.

(8) The handicapper inserts the cards 26 hearing the horses names in the grooves 23 of the notice board 19 following the order he desires.

(9) For each horse entered in a race, even if they belong to the same player, the corresponding inscription fee shall be paid to the handicapper.

(10) In case of a tie for first, second or third place, the pertinent prize value shall be equally distributed among the winners. A race shall never be repeated to break a tie. If two horses finish tied for first place, for example, they shall divide equally both the prize money values accorded to the first and second place together. The horse finishing third shall then receive the full prize money value established for third place.

(11) Notwithstanding the regulations of rule 10 abovegiven, and only for betting purposes, if two or more horses finish tied for first place, they shall break the tie with the dice until only one bet Winner remains.

(12) Before the race starts, the handicapper shall place on the simulated track in the corresponding spaces the instruction signs or cards 27 to 31 in a sequence in accordance with the following race-type designations.

Six furlong race:

1 mile race:

Card- Space 14 number 27 28 77 1% mile race:

Card- 1 /2 mile race:

Card- (13) The players shall read the instructions appearing on the cards and the handicapper shall supervise compliance therewith. Non-observance of the instructions shall result in disqualification of the guilty horse.

(14) A race shall be run in the following manner: The handicapper shall place the horses (playing pieces 33) on the starting space corresponding to that indicated for the particular race type shown on the card 25 present in the top groove 21 of the notice board 19. The starting position for each race type is inscribed on the appropriate space of the simulated track 12. Immediately thereafter, the owner of the first horse (1) throws the dice and moves his horse a number of spaces equal to the sum shown on the two dice, in the counterclockwise direction from the starting space, as viewed in FIGURE 1. The progression of the playing pieces is in accordance with the numbers indicated by the sum of the dice, adding or subtracting the number of spaces established by the instruction cards 27 to 31 and in accordance with the race weight of the horses. Each pound of overweight that a horse carries in comparison with the horse entered in that race which carries the lowest weight shall be equivalent to one space of the track. Each horse card 26 specifically indicates the weight with which the horse must always run. A horse penalized by an overweight shall pay for it by substracting the pertinent number of spaces on the associated players first throw of the dice. If this is not possible, the penalty shall be completed in thesubsequent turns of throwing the dice by said player.

15) The cards 26 bearing the horses names shall also indicate their sex. The letter H means horse and the letter M means mare.

(16).All players must throw the dice the same number of times. For example, if horse No. 1 which throws first reaches the finish line, it cannot be declared the winner until all of the other players have had an opportunity to throw the dice to complete their turns. Upon completion of the turns of throwing the dice, the player whose horse has advanced to the most forward position is the winner.

(17) The finish line 15 is the same for all the race types. The players shall throw the dice in sequence and, as above-pointed out, the winner shall be the horse reaching the finish line and in the most advanced position upon the completion of a set of turns of throwing the dice.

(18) Players shall be permitted to bet on any race they wish, but in accordance with the following rules:

(a) Only winner bets are allowed.

(b) Betting shall be closed before the owner of horse No. 1 throws the dice for the first time.

(c) There shall be no limit as to the amount that the players can bet. The minimum bet is $10.00.

(d) The tickets 35 shall represent their marked denominations, such as $10.00, $50.00, or $100.00,

(e) Loans among the players shall not be permitted, nor

can any player bet on a credit basis.

(f) In order to induce players to bet, the handicapper shall contribute to the betting pool $100.00 for each horse entered in the race.

(19) The handicapper shall give to the players the tickets bought by them and shall place the money received from the players in a separate fund, to pay winning tickets afterwards.

(20) The payment of the winning tickets shall be made in the. following manner: The handicapper shall divide the total betting pool (produced by his contribution and the total amount played) among the winning tickets. The handicapper shall then pay the corresponding dividend to the holders of the winning tickets. The handicapper must recover all tickets, winners or losers, in order to be able to use them again in the next race.

(21) Since the ten dollar unit is the lowest money unit considered, all dividends must be paid in integral multiples of then dollars. Should fractions appear when dividing the total betting pool among the winning tickets, the handicapper shall deduct the fractions from the dividends, retaining the proceeds thereof.

(22) If no winning tickets have been sold, the handicapper shall retain the total amount played.

(23) As soon as the race is finished, the handicapper shall pay to the players owning the first, second and third place horses the money values to which they are entitled. The handicapper shall then open the inscriptions for the next race.

(24) The cards 26 associated with the horses that ran in the previous race shall be retained by the handicapper, since no horse can run more than one race in the same program.

(25) No sales or changes of horses among players shall be permitted.

(26) When the last race is finished, the players shall count their money, The winner of the game shall be the player who holds the largest amount. In case of a tie, the winner shall be the player who has won the largest number of races.

It will be noted that starting spaces for races of different types are specifically indicated on the game board 11 and that the locations of the handicap or advantage cards 27 to 31 vary in accordance with the different types of races.

It will be understood from the above discussion that a conventional pair of dice are employed by the players to determine the number of spaces their playing pieces 33 are to be advanced along the simulated race track 12. Thus, the element of chance is a large factor in playing the game. However, a more predominant factor is the players judgment in registering particular horses in resepctive different races, since the player has an opportunity to evaluate his chances of winning by considering the conditions of the respective races, represented by the placement of the handicap cards 27 to 31 on the track, as well as the other conditions of the race as set forth on the associated card 25. Because of the strong factor of judgment involved, the contest is not merely one based on the random orientations of the thrown dice, but also is a competition in judgment among the players in evaluating the potentialities imposed on the contest by the specific placement of the handicap cards 27 to 31 on the track. Also to be taken into consideration are the weight limitations imposed by the information relative thereto set forth on the race description cards 25 and on the horse identification cards 26. The considerations of judgment also involve an estimate of the possibilities of winning because of shortcomings in the judgments of the opposing players, as well as the random factor provided by the throwing of the dice.

It will also be apparent that where the game is played under a set of rules such as above-described, many strategic expedients may be employed, taking into consideration the fact that the winner of the game usually is the player who holds the largest numerical amount of play money. I

As above-described, when one particular race has been completed and the handicapper removes the card pertaining thereto from groove 21 and replaces it with another card 25 pertaining to a different type of race, he then shifts the positions of the penalty and advantage cards 27 to 31 to different specified locations on the track, such as above-listed, which thereupon makes it necessary for the players to make an assessment of their chances of winning by selecting the most favorably advantaged horses among those represented by the cards 26 which they hold, with respect to the conditions set forth for the new race.

While a specific embodiment of an improved horse race game apparatus has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A horse race game apparatus comprising a game board inscribed with a simulated race track marked off in numbered transverse spaces, a plurality of simulated race horse playing pieces for use on said board, a plurality of handicap cards, each bearing an inscription designating a specific penalty for playing pieces of a specified performance class in terms of spaces to be deducted or a specific advantage in terms of spaces to be added for playing pieces of a specified performance class, and means for detachably connecting the handicap cards to respective selected transverse spaces on said simulated race track.

2. The horse race game apparatus of claim 1, wherein each space is provided with a stationary locking element and each handicap card is provided with a cooperating element lockingly-engageable with a selected stationary locking element, said elements constituting said connecting means.

3. The horse race game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stationary locking elements comprise recesses formed in the spaces and the cooperating elements comprise depending pins on the cards receivable in said recesses.

4. The horse race game apparatus of claim 3, wherein the simulated race track is in the form of a closed polygon and the recesses are located at the inner end portions of the transverse spaces.

5. The horse race game apparatus of claim 4, wherein the depending pins are located at the end portions of the undersides of the handicap cards so that the cards can overlie the spaces when their depending pins are engaged in the recesses of said spaces.

6. The horse race game apparatus of claim 5, wherein the race horse playing pieces are in the form of miniature race horses carrying difierent numerical indicia.

7. The horse race game apparatus of claim 6, wherein the handicap cards include one handicap card designating a specific penalty for a playing piece of a specified performance class and another handicap card designating a specific advantage for a playing piece of the same performance class.

8. The horse race game apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least five handicap cards are provided.

9. The horse race game apparatus of claim 8, wherein the transverse spaces of the simulated race track are consecutively numbered.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,697,023 1/ 1929 Rottenburg 273l34 2,010,558 8/1935 Neuzil. 2,453,290 11/ 1948 Wetzel 273134 2,658,760 11/1953 Brost 273-134 FOREIGN PATENTS 171,844 12/ 1921 Great Britain.

DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

